Abstract Expressionism emerged in the 1940s and 1950s in New York City and is regarded as the first distinctly American movement to achieve international influence. The movement arose as a response to the social, political and cultural climate of the time, including the aftermath of the Second World War and the onset of the Cold War. Artists sought to break from traditional artistic conventions and explore novel forms of expression.

The movement was also influenced by European avant-garde movements such as Surrealism and Cubism, as well as by the influx of European artists who had fled to the United States during the war. The term “Abstract Expressionism” was first employed in Germany in 1919 to describe the work of Wassily Kandinsky, but it was not until the 1940s that it became associated with the New York School of artists. The movement was characterised by its rejection of representational forms and its emphasis on spontaneous, gestural and emotional expression.

Artists such as Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko and Clyfford Still were at the forefront of the movement, each developing their own unique style and approach to abstraction. The movement also included a number of women artists, such as Helen Frankenthaler and Lee Krasner, who made significant contributions to the development of Abstract Expressionism.

Summary

  • Abstract Expressionism emerged in New York City in the 1940s, as a response to the trauma of World War II and the rise of the Cold War.
  • Key artists such as Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Mark Rothko were influenced by European modernism, Surrealism, and the American landscape.
  • Abstract Expressionist art is characterized by spontaneous, gestural brushwork, large-scale canvases, and a focus on the artist’s emotional and psychological state.
  • The movement had a significant impact on the development of post-war art, influencing subsequent movements such as Minimalism and Color Field painting.
  • Abstract Expressionism became intertwined with the Cold War, as the US government used it as a cultural weapon to promote American freedom and creativity over Soviet repression.

Key Artists and their Influences

The Expressive Brushstrokes of Willem de Kooning

Willem de Kooning, on the other hand, was known for his expressive and gestural approach to figurative painting, often depicting women in a distorted and fragmented manner. De Kooning’s work was influenced by Cubism and Surrealism, as well as by his experiences as an immigrant in New York City.

The Colour Field Paintings of Mark Rothko

Mark Rothko’s large-scale, colour field paintings are another important aspect of Abstract Expressionism. Rothko’s work is characterised by its use of large, flat areas of colour to evoke emotional and spiritual responses in the viewer.

Other Key Figures in Abstract Expressionism

Clyfford Still’s abstract paintings, with their jagged forms and intense colours, also played a significant role in shaping the movement. Still’s work was influenced by his experiences growing up in the American West, as well as by his interest in existential philosophy. Women artists such as Helen Frankenthaler and Lee Krasner also made important contributions to Abstract Expressionism, each developing their own unique approaches to abstraction and gesture.

The Characteristics of Abstract Expressionist Art

Abstract Expressionist art is characterised by its rejection of representational forms in favour of non-representational or abstract imagery. The movement emphasised spontaneity, gesture, and emotional expression, often through the use of bold brushwork and intense colours. Artists sought to convey their inner thoughts and emotions through their work, often using techniques such as dripping, pouring, and splattering paint onto canvas to create a sense of immediacy and rawness.

The movement also encompassed a wide range of styles and approaches to abstraction. For example, Jackson Pollock’s “action painting” involved the physical act of painting itself, with the artist moving around the canvas in a dance-like manner to create dynamic compositions. In contrast, Mark Rothko’s colour field paintings used large expanses of flat colour to create a meditative and contemplative atmosphere.

Willem de Kooning’s work, on the other hand, combined elements of figuration and abstraction, with distorted and fragmented depictions of the human figure.

The Impact and Legacy of Abstract Expressionism

Abstract Expressionism had a profound impact on the development of modern art and continues to influence artists today. The movement helped to shift the centre of the art world from Paris to New York City, establishing the United States as a major cultural force. Abstract Expressionist artists also played a key role in shaping the development of art criticism and theory, with critics such as Clement Greenberg and Harold Rosenberg championing their work.

The legacy of Abstract Expressionism can be seen in subsequent movements such as Colour Field painting, Minimalism, and Post-painterly Abstraction. The movement also had a significant impact on popular culture, influencing fields such as fashion, design, and music. The idea of art as a form of personal expression and emotional communication continues to be a central tenet of contemporary art practice, owed in part to the influence of Abstract Expressionism.

The Relationship between Abstract Expressionism and the Cold War

The emergence of Abstract Expressionism coincided with the beginning of the Cold War, and the movement was often seen as a symbol of American freedom and democracy in contrast to Soviet Realism. The United States government actively promoted Abstract Expressionism as a form of cultural diplomacy, sponsoring exhibitions of American art abroad as a way to showcase American creativity and individualism. The CIA also played a role in promoting Abstract Expressionism as part of its efforts to counter Soviet influence in the arts.

The agency saw the movement as a way to demonstrate American cultural superiority and undermine the perceived conformity and propaganda of Soviet Realism. As a result, Abstract Expressionist artists such as Jackson Pollock were championed as symbols of American freedom and creativity.

Criticisms and Controversies Surrounding Abstract Expressionism

The Criticisms of Elitism and Politics

Others have criticised the movement for its elitism and its association with Cold War politics.

A Re-evaluation of the Movement

In recent years, there has been a re-evaluation of Abstract Expressionism in light of these criticisms, with efforts to highlight the contributions of women and artists of colour to the movement.

A More Diverse Understanding

There has also been a growing recognition of the diversity of styles within Abstract Expressionism, challenging the notion that it was a monolithic movement dominated by a few key figures.

Abstract Expressionism in Contemporary Art

Abstract Expressionism continues to have a significant impact on contemporary art practice. Many artists today continue to explore themes of spontaneity, gesture, and emotional expression in their work, drawing inspiration from the legacy of Abstract Expressionism. The movement’s emphasis on individual creativity and personal expression continues to be relevant in an age marked by globalisation and mass media.

Contemporary artists such as Julie Mehretu, Mark Bradford, and Cecily Brown have drawn on the legacy of Abstract Expressionism in their work, reinterpreting its themes and techniques for a new generation. The movement’s influence can also be seen in fields such as performance art, installation art, and new media, where artists continue to push the boundaries of artistic expression in innovative ways. In conclusion, Abstract Expressionism emerged in response to the social, political, and cultural climate of its time, challenging traditional artistic conventions and exploring new forms of expression.

The movement had a profound impact on modern art and continues to influence artists today through its emphasis on spontaneity, gesture, and emotional expression. Despite its controversies and criticisms, Abstract Expressionism remains a significant chapter in the history of art, shaping the development of modern art practice and continuing to inspire artists around the world.

If you are interested in learning more about different art movements, you may want to check out an article on Pop Art. Pop Art was a movement that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s in Britain and America, and it was characterized by its use of popular culture and consumerism as subject matter. To read more about this fascinating art movement, visit this article on Pop Art.

FAQs

What is Abstract Expressionism?

Abstract Expressionism is an art movement that emerged in the 1940s in New York City. It is characterized by its emphasis on spontaneous, gestural expression and the exploration of the subconscious mind.

Who were the key artists associated with Abstract Expressionism?

Key artists associated with Abstract Expressionism include Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, Clyfford Still, and Franz Kline, among others.

What are the main characteristics of Abstract Expressionist art?

The main characteristics of Abstract Expressionist art include large-scale canvases, gestural brushwork, non-representational imagery, and a focus on the act of painting itself as a form of expression.

What influenced the development of Abstract Expressionism?

Abstract Expressionism was influenced by a variety of factors, including European avant-garde movements such as Surrealism and Cubism, as well as the social and political climate of the post-World War II era.

How did Abstract Expressionism impact the art world?

Abstract Expressionism had a significant impact on the art world, as it challenged traditional notions of art and paved the way for subsequent movements such as Minimalism and Pop Art. It also established New York City as a major center for the art world.